Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations (NOC 7202)

Contractors and supervisors in this group perform some or all of the following duties:

• supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers who install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, fixtures and control devices, power systems, telecommunication systems and cablevision systems
• establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other subcontractors or departments
• request materials and supplies
• solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity
• train or arrange for training of workers
• recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
• make sure work safety regulations are followed
• prepare work progress reports
• may manage the operations of their own company
• may also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers

Electrical trades and telecommunications contractors and supervisors often work long and irregular hours to complete projects on schedule. Overtime and extended workweeks are common, and workers may also have to be on call in case of emergencies.

Working conditions vary depending on the worksite. Work may be done indoors, in offices and industrial settings, or outdoors at places such as construction sites, where workers are exposed to weather. Work on construction sites and within power plants can be noisy and dirty.

Depending on the job, workers may have to temporarily relocate to construction projects in remote areas.

The nature of the work may be stressful at times, when unexpected delays are encountered.

More than half of the job openings in the coming years will come from the need to replace retiring workers.

Some contractors and construction tradespersons rely on non-residential building activity to generate business.

Demand for these workers depends largely on growth in the Construction industry. Commercial, institutional and industrial construction activity is expected to increase. For example, government and private infrastructure projects will create opportunities in various regions of the province.

The Communications and Utilities industries also expect to see growth, which should translate into increased work opportunities for electrical trades and telecommunications contractors and supervisors. Expanding communications networks, such as cellular phones, wireless email and broadband internet will increase the demand for associated technical occupations.

While increased competition has resulted in some job reductions in the larger telecommunications companies, the industry is seeing overall job growth.